It’s a good thing that the “original version” of the Suroy Suroy Sugbo resumed operations yesterday after “six years of hiatus.”
Around 150 guests joined yesterday’s re-launch of the Southern Heritage Trail, which started in the municipality of Minglanilla and is expected to conclude in the City of Talisay on Sunday, November 17.
The Suroy Suroy Sugbo was started by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during her first term in 2004. At the height of its popularity, it had five components —the Northern Escapade, the Southern Heritage Trail, Enchanting Camotes, the Urban Adventure, and Explore the Midwest.
There is nothing quite like the Suroy Suroy Sugbo anywhere else in the Philippines. Aside from a way of attracting both local and foreign tourists, it was a unique way to showcase the different towns and cities in the province.
The event also spurred the different towns and cities to bring out their best when it came to food, products, and performance. In the process of doing so, this kick-started many local industries previously unknown to Cebu and the rest of the world.
But when Garcia left the Capitol, the project seemed to lose the attention it deserved.
To be fair, the project was never really scrapped by the administration of former governor and incumbent vice governor Jun-jun Davide. However, it was toned down so much it seemed like a ghost of its former self.
The number of guest was limited to 30 to 40 per tour. The components were also dropped from five to two; Enchanting Camotes and the Southern Heritage Trail.
Even the Southern Heritage Trail became more of just a “Southern Heritage Pathway” as not all the towns were scheduled for a stop, only a select few.
But with an old hand back at the helm of the Capitol, things are looking up where this brilliant idea is concerned. And with the other components of the old Suroy Suroy Sugbo expected to be revived in 2020, we can expect this ingenious way of promoting everything Cebu and Cebuano to slowly shape up into its former self.